Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Beyond Our Abilities

When does a
job become intolerable? At what point is someone justified in saying it’s a
lost cause? When can we walk out and not suffer guilt over the decision?

Teaching is
one of these professions where we’re supposed to suffer through because of how
noble the profession is. The intrinsic rewards of teaching are supposed to
offset everything else, and that we’re naturally supposed to be long-suffering
and should accept all kinds of adversity in order to continue at this noble
profession.

A teacher
who quits is somehow seen as a traitor to the entire profession, but the same
stigma isn’t attached to other professions. If a computer programmer, manager,
lawyer, chef, or other career wanted to change up and do something else, it’s a
life change, and one that is generally regarded as a good idea.

Why is it
that teachers are seen as traitors? Why can’t teachers become fed up and want
something more from their lives?